Comments 5

I especially like #11. One reason it is disrespectful is because the person telling the lie is, in essence, is assuming that the people he or she is telling the lie to are not intelligent enough to see through the lie.

Terrific post, Michael! In our Ethics class this week we learned about the definitions of and the moral implications of lying. What I found particularly interesting as how we tend to have a variety of excuses as to why our lies are justified. (Which just so happens to be illustrated in Truth #11 above!)

Sissela Bok proposes that we should utilize a 3-level system for evaluating our own lies and whether or not they are warranted (Richard L. Johannesen, 2008): First, we must filter through our own consciences. We then seek an external source: a friend, co-worker, ethics expert, etc. There should be public debate over the morality of the “lie.”

I think that, while good in theory to evaluate internally and externally, it is not practical for daily communication. Most of us will not have a public debate every time we lie about our successes at the class reunion, about our weight on our driver’s license, or use much younger photos of ourselves on that dating website. I feel that we must rely largely on our own personally developed moral code. These dozen truths you have shared could serve very well as someone’s personal standards are evolving or for someone who may be re-evaluating their principles. Also, as you have stated in # 10: a lie is a lie. What need do we have to justify lying, if all lies are unethical?

This is so powerful! And it is so true!! As Christians, how many times do we lie to God. We read our Bibles and make it say what we want instead of allowing it to speak to our hearts. Instead of allowing the Bible to interpret itself, we give it our own interpretation…. We lie to ourselves and to others when we tell others what we think it says instead of allowing them to read for themselves and find the truths God is trying to lead them to…. I am thankful that God blinks at our ignorance and lies. The opposite of a lie is the “Truth”. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.” Anything that goes against that, is a lie! I just read 12 things that I do. Not intentional, but still it happens in so many ways. Thank you for calling us to a higher standard and reminding us what it really is!!

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The mission of the Josephson Institute is, “To improve the ethical quality of society by changing personal and organizational decision making and behavior.” In this space Michael Josephson and the Center for Policing Ethics faculty will provide expert insights and resources to promote professional development and leadership effectiveness of executives and managers and create an ethical business culture which enhances morale, growth, and profitability while reducing risks of costly and reputation damaging lawsuits and scandals.